Tom has been a photographer since early childhood, graduating from Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Fine Art Photography in 1973.

When he began teaching photography to kids soon thereafter, (grades 2-9), he became fascinated with human development, and received a Masters degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado.

He then worked as a psychotherapist with some of the most abused kids in the country for 20 years. He found art and poetry to be most effective treatment tools, and saw a lot of tragedy turn to triumph. During a 3 year sabbatical, he designed, and presented internationally, one of the first artificial intelligence software systems for holistic diagnosis and treatment that was used to help thousands of kids get proper care.

As an author, he has published on the Ethics of Psychotechnics, (manipulation of people through technology), and is now finishing his first book, Spirit Women, profiling 14 women thought to be living exemplary spiritual lives.

He has enjoyed 10 years of Triathlon, Bike Racing and Marathon including the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon.

Since 2002, Tom has focused his camera upon the Hawaiian Renaissance , Hawaiian nature, Hawaiian sport, and weddings.

"The most important part of the artistic process for me is the spiritual. The very best cameras and technique often create empty, worthless stuff. The best priority, I think, is meaningfulness.

Making images is part of my effort to find spiritual resolution. Images simply have a marvelous way of eliciting and expressing essential meaning for me. I attempt to let the world, awash in it's miracles and mystery, reflect images upon a surface. They are constructive wonderments. The intention is to present images of nature and people that are a positive counterforce to the many destructive influences in human culture.

I try to allow compassion for, and joy in, the subject, be it human or not. Taking a picture can be an exercise in selflessness, getting the self out of the way, a meditation, a calm pool reflecting an "external" reality. The interpretation of that image in its printing can then continue to explore deep personal as well as universal reactions.

Observe! Appreciate!! Celebrate!!!"

2006: | 808.357.3114 | tom1@aloha.net